Georgie Earl Bruce Starks Jr

January 14, 1971 - September 8, 2017

George Earl Bruce Starks, Jr., commonly referred to as "Georgie," was a most uncommon man.  He somehow managed to walk the earth for 46 years without doubting the inherent goodness of humankind. 

Georgie debuted on January 14, 1971 in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, the oldest son to Jane and George Starks, Sr.  In 1975, the family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. 

After graduating from East High School in 1989 he attended Gonzaga University.  He returned to Salt Lake with a bachelor's degree in Sociology, lifelong friends, and a voracious appetite for making a difference.  

And a difference he did make.  Over and over.  He became the Utah producer for the Slamdance Film Festival, using his own independent spirit to encourage and support independent film.  He became engrained in the education publishing world, developing a leading series in summer learning activity books.  Passionate about instilling positive values and healthy habits in children, he started Active Planet Kids, an active lifestyle and educational company focusing on the development of the whole child.  His Summer Fit Learning books went beyond the typical, redefining academic success to include healthy living, leadership, and social responsibility. 

Always one to have many irons in the fire, he opened Blue Star Juice & Coffee Café.  He was driven to create a healthy, inclusive, welcoming spot.  He succeeded. He was so grateful for the employees who continued to keep the Café a successful community gathering place for good coffee and conversation while he was sick.

Overwhelmingly, however, Georgie's legacy is the man he was as son, brother, uncle, and friend.  To his parents, he was an incredible model of bravery and strength, supporting them through the darkest times, even during his own sickness.  To his siblings, he was a selfless confidante and a loyal friend; his love for them ran deep and unconditional. 

Georgie took his uncle-ing duties very seriously.  His nine nieces and nephews each knew him to be a source of encouragement and low-level monkeyshines.  Maleah, Gabriel, Jon David, Joseph, Noah, Maddie, Grace, Sophie, and Lucy were each loved fiercely and openly by their Uncle Georgie.  

That's what Georgie did best, he loved.

His force of love was on full display when his little brother, Michael, died in 2008 during a fraternity hazing.  The first to forgive, he guided us in our search to heal our souls and again see the beauty in life.  

Georgie was a lifelong seeker — of experiences, of adventure, of love, of hope.  He travelled the Camino de Santiago four times, making new friends and connecting with the world beyond our own each time.  His quest for knowledge, adventure and spiritual understanding was inspiring. 

Georgie gave people around him the greatest gift – the ability to be themselves.

 "When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too." — Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

"I have found the paradox that if I love until it hurts, then there is no hurt, but only more love." — Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Georgie is survived by his parents, Jane and George Starks (Anacortes, WA); his girlfriend, Sydney Freeman; his sisters Kelly (David) Terrill (Mesa, AZ), Megan Starks (Seattle, WA) and Mary (Mark) Reiss (Scottsdale, AZ); brother, Jason (Shayneh) Starks; Grandpa Michaels; numerous aunts; uncles; cousin; countless friends; and his whiskered buddy Black Eye. 

He is preceded in death by his little brother, Michael Anthoney Smallwood Starks; Grandmothers Elizabeth Michaels and Elizabeth Starks; Grandfather George Starks; Aunts Mary Beth, Weebee and Nellie; and cousin and goddaughter Regina Sahami. 

A vigil will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 6:30 PM at St. Catherine of Siena, 170 South University Street, Salt Lake City. Friends are invited to celebrate Georgie's life on the church plaza immediately following. 

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 15, 2017 at 12:30 PM at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, 331 East South Temple, Salt Lake City. Interment to follow at Mt Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Ave and "T" Street. 

In Loving Memory

Once again I am terribly heart broken for the entire Stark Family.I mourned with you in 2008 for Michael now nine years later I stand with all of you as a devoted friend knowing that Georgie is finally at peace after a long ten year battle with cancer. Do know of my ongoing prayers for all of you.

Robert J.Giacovelli

Palm Desert, CA

What a beautiful tribute to a loving and forgiving man. He displayed the loving traits of the Starks family. May he Rest In heavenly peace. You my dear friends Jason and sheynah and family we send our prayers and deepest condolences. Please know that you do not mourn alone. Love you holding you close in prayers.

Ms Char Rodriguez

Kearns, Ut

I'm so proud to have known George. He was such a wonderful person with a generous spirit. My deepest condolences to his family and close friends. He'll be so missed. He is well loved in this community.

Kristin Beck

SLC, UT

To the Starks family-- Our hearts go out to you in this difficult time. Georgie was a fantastic person and role model, and he will be missed by all those who were privileged to know him.

Charlie and Kim Thronson

nan, nan

Jason, Shayneh and Family- know that George lives on in our memories of him, always inviting us into the sacred space of friendship that he offered by his nature. I often think of Michael and the tremendous love that your family has offered our community. Know that you are all loved and do not walk this journey alone. To George... Michael Jimenez and Family

Michael Jimenez

Salt Lake City, Ut

So sorry to hear about George, he was such a special man. Always enjoyed talking with him on several occasions. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and all of your family. Deacon David & LaRee Osman

David and LaRee Osman

murray, ut

George's memory will live on in all of us who loved him. His vision and unending energy inspired me so much when we worked together during the early years of Summer Fit. With great love, I send my sincerest condolances to his family. Much prayer for your comfort and peace.

Gina Garner

Cape Carteret, NC

George was an amazing person. He brought happiness wherever he went. My heart goes out to his entire family whom he loved dearly. It was a privilege to work with George and be his friend. He touched more lives in his short life than most people touch in a lifetime. May he rest in peace and remain in our hearts forever.

Evie Kaatz

Belmont, MA

I feel so fortunate to have known George for the time we did. He was such a beautiful example of life lived to the fullest with an open and loving heart! He had such a generous spirit and I will always hold him dear in my heart! He was such a bright light in this experience we call Life! He will be missed! We send our prayers and deepest condolences to his family and dear friends.

Scott and LaRae Wright

Bountiful, UT

My sincere condolences to the entire Stark family on the loss of yet another young man. His obituary was most inspiring. What a courageous battle he fought and now he's at peace.

Larry Henkels

Salt Lake City, UT

I always referred to Georgie as one of my many nephews. He is finally getting the peace he deserves. My warmest regards to the entire family & thanks for sharing Georgie with all of us. Maggie Aloia

maggie aloia

salt lake city, ut

While I knew Georgie only from afar (Mary is my DIL), I am so sorry to hear of his death. Mary and family, you have my deepest sympathy. Eternal rest grant onto him, O Lord.

Carma Reiss

Scottsdale, AZ

I'm so sad and sorry to hear about George. He was the most amazing person. I will always be grateful for his friendship and for his unending support of the independent film community in Salt Lake. He made a huge difference in my life, as I'm sure he did for every other person who knew him. My sincerest condolences to the Stark family and to everyone grieving the loss of George. What a truly incredible person he was. Thank you for such a beautiful obituary.

Kathy Nation

Portland, OR

Dear Jason, Shayneh, Jane, George Sr. & family and friends, Oh how the pang of sympathy and grief jolted my soul as I heard your George's name prayed at St. Vincent's on Sunday. I loved sitting next to Jason, Shayneh and sweet girls at church just the week before. You all have touched my heart! I got to meet George 4 summers ago when he and Jason tenderly received my dad into their care. I too am inspired by George's life story; Camino walks, business and community ventures, and his example of Christ's grace & love. May perpetual Light shine upon George, and may God's blessings of comfort enfold you all. You are in my heart.

Cheryl Nunez

East Millcreek, UT

I met George thru my daughter, Ally Coleman when he hired her to help run BlueStar. Thank you for raising such a kind and generous son. He certainly had an influence for good in her life. May you be blessed as you remember him and his gracious life.

Susan Coleman

Midvale, Ut

I am so very sorry for your loss. I never had the privilege of meeting Georgie, but it sounds like he lived a full and wonderful life, despite his illness. It sounds like he was a wonderful man who devoted himself to helping others; it is rare to hear of such a kind man. I am sure that he has left many wonderful memories for you to look back on. As you reflect on these memories, please take comfort in the scripture at Psalms 94:17-19 and 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17. May God strengthen you and bring you comfort during this difficult time as we await the fulfillment of his promise of a resurrection. (Acts 24:15; Revelation 21:4) May these sctiptures bring you a sense of peace and joy to your hearts as you begin to heal.

Elizabeth

nan, nan

George was one of the finest and kindest men I have ever known. I'm deeply saddened by his untimely passing and will miss him. We biked together. We hiked together. We laughed together. His beautiful smile reflected his beautiful soul. I'm sorry we didn't get together this summer. I tried. I really did. But God had other plans for you. Thank you George. You were one of the very best.

Ken Mulligan

Tempe, AZ

I am heartbroken to have lost such a good friend. Every experience I had with George I left feeling inspired in some way. He was present, a great listener and full of kindness. I will dearly miss those conversations and his sweet smiling face. His legacy will live on because he strived to make our community a better place and myself and everyone he knew will never forget that.

Mary Catrow

Salt Lake City, Ut

It is with genuine love I send this message to the entire Stark family. My connection to George began over 15 years ago when I met his brother Jason Starks on a visit to Colorado to hang out with his friend Mike Hansey. All three of us had a blast and have been friends ever since! Jason spoke often of George's involvement with SlamDance and while Sundance I attended a rouge music event I think was sponsored by Slamdance which was shut down. It was so much fun, original and gone way too fast! George's departure from this world seems very similar, fun, original—and his life went by way too fast. even for himself since he had so much more he wanted to do. After my visit to Utah, I have continued the creative a path of filmmaking and veryo much like George have many in finshed projects including ifilmfestivals, a place for independent short films. During this past summer, it was with love to be able to give some emotional support to Jason and the Stark family while they were in Colorado during George's treatments. After all these years of hearing about George and his wonderful endeavors, I got to meet George in person, his oldest sister, and his life-long friend Scott on the morning of his passing. To me, he seemed to be preparing for another journey. One with love, and continuous connection with all of those that he loved. Memories are pure, and George will always be with his wonderful family and dear friends.

Daniel Montano

Denver, Co

We are so sorry for your loss, only knew Georgie thru his sister, Kelly. He definitely made good use of all the talents God gave him. We have him & your entire family in our daily prayers. God Bless! The Hilliers

Krist Hillier

Gilbert, AZ

I knew George through his work in the education industry and through personal friends. George's ready smile always charmed the room and we shared many laughs over the years. I was so impressed when he told me he had walked the Camino de Santiago and now I learn he did it four times. George, your earthly pilgrimage is over; you have moved on to better fields. We will miss you.

Renee Whitney

Salt Lake City, UT

My deepest condolences to the entire Starks family! I didn't know George well but I remember Kelly talking so fondly of her brother! At Kelly's wedding, I was struck by how loving and close this beautiful family was and is to this day!! Thank you for sharing these beautiful memories of him with all of us!! May God bless and keep you!

Jennifer Welsh Fahselt

Salinas, CA

Our condolences to the Stark family. My wife, Karen and I worked with George for many years as his sales and distribution supplier at Midpoint Trade Books.We truly loved George! He was such a passionate person, for people and for the causes that he supported. We will never forget that infectious laugh!! And always that twinkle in his eye. He will always be remembered in our hearts. God Bless.

Christopher Bell

Northville, MI

I wish to express my condolences to the entire Starks family. George was an amazing influence on everyone he met. By his actions in life he elevated his friends and family to be better people and made a difference in his community. Through George I have met or shared experiences with most of his family. When you met George you met his family. The Starks accepted you as a lifelong friend immediately and you were welcomed into their lives. I appreciate the time we shared and to be a small part of their circle of friends. His family, community, and friends are better from his friendship, support, and guidance he will be greatly missed and remembered for his generosity and kindness.

Brent Clackson

Vancouver, BC

Sending Out LOVE, Healing and Happy Memories to Family and Friends. George blessed US with a Furry very energetic puppy Madeline -"Matty" many moons back that enriched our lives with abundant energy. She lived a long life and now continues on with George for further "Adventures". LOVE & LIGHT MY FRIENDS!!

Tamara Earl

Salt Lake City, UT

George was one of my writing students at SLCC before he attended Gonzaga. He was one of the very best writers and compassionate young men I've met. Although I visited Blue Star, I missed seeing him and knowing about his illness. Today I read the Intermountain Catholic after his funeral Mass (sigh!). His impressive obit and video are valuable memories of a well-lived life. Sympathy & prayers for all.

Marilyn Nowell-Bown

Salt Lake City, UT

We are so sorry for your families loss.We did not know Georgie very well, but he was always such a caring gentleman.

Jerry & Carol Diana

Murray, Ut

I am very sorry to learn of Mr. Bruce Starks Jr. passing. Someday Jesus will call and the dead will answer.The question is if man dies can he live again? Job 14:14,15 Jehovah will long for the work of his hands.

beatrice

nan, nan

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